Essential Oils in Labour

 Image source: doterra.com/au/

PEPPERMINT: This is great for when a mother is feeling nauseous, it is important to find an oil that can be ingested in this case because a drop under the tongue can work wonders, if you cannot find an oil that can be ingested then a spritz around the room will also be helpful.
It can also help pain in the back during labour by gently massaging the lower back.
Use with caution though as some people have reported a link to using peppermint oil and a lack of milk production though it never caused issues for me I cannot guarantee it for you.

NEROLI: Fantastic for use when mum is anxious or feeling fear, it can restore spirits is very calming and relaxing, it can be expensive however.

CLARY SAGE: If labour stalls or is going slow rubbing Clary sage into the ankles every 30-60 minutes can help speed things up.
Clary sage mixed with some rose oil can also be helpful during contractions to keep things natural if a drug free birth is desired, inhaling as a contraction starts and again after the contraction.

LAVENDER: A great relaxant, 3 drops with a tablespoon of milk in a bath before heading to the hospital has been beneficial for many mothers. Always take caution when using oils in a bath however because there is a chance on the oils reaching the baby, it is suggested by midwives to only do this before your waters break.
Lavender can also stimulate contractions and mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil is great for massage.

GERANIUM: This is another great one to spritz around the room, not only does it help balance emotions but it covers up any hospital smells that maybe causing anxiety or distress. Also it helps improve circulation to areas where it is rubbed.

BASIL: Another fantastic oil. Basil can help with discomfort in labour particularly back pain. Also during transition where many women feel they can no longer go on or hit that brick wall so to speak Basil is perfect diluted and rubbed onto the temples and even the belly to ease the mother and help her reconnect with her inner strength.

BLACK PEPPER OIL: Another oil that is great for discomfort in the back, mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and massaged into the skin.

There are many more oils that can be helpful but so far these are the ones I am familiar with.

A friend introduced me to a massage blend that helped her in labour, here is what you need:
30mls carrier oil
2 drops neroli (or 3 drops petitgrain)
2 drops frankincense
3 drops lavender
1 drop bergamot

This was my favourite room spritz during my labours
 Lavender essential oil
Clary sage essential oil
Rose geranium essential oil
Peppermint essential oil
Frankincense essential oil
A few drops of each mixed in a bottle with purified water to spritz around the room.
The oils in this are known to relieve nausea and tension and also give a burst of energy, promote contractions and help focus mother.

 **Disclaimer** I am not a qualified aromatherapist, I am however enrolled in an aromatherapy for pregnancy and infancy course but as yet have not began my training. When I have finished my studies I will be able to add more to this from a professional stand point rather than a personal one.